Player Updates

Lugo is starting at second base and batting seventh in Saturday's game against the Brewers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

After hitting his first MLB home run as a pinch hitter against nasty Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader on Friday, Lugo will attempt to build on those good vibes in a Saturday start. The 23-year-old is slashing just .218/.269/.299 this season, however, which hasn't done much to boost his candidacy for an everyday role with the Tigers to begin 2019.

Lugo hit a two-run homer as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning of Friday's loss to the Brewers.

He took Josh Hader deep for his first career home run. Lugo now has a .218/.269/.299 slash line through his first 93 plate appearances with Detroit, and the 23-year-old will head into next spring just looking to avoid a return to Triple-A Toledo.

Lugo will serve as infield depth as Jose Iglesias (abdomen) was placed on the 10-day DL in a corresponding move. In 123 games with Toledo this year, Lugo has slashed .269/.283/.350 with three home runs, 59 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He's yet to play in a major-league game over the course of his seven-year career.

Lugo was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Lugo was recalled from the minors Monday and did not see the field in his two games with the Tigers. The 23-year-old will return to Toledo where he has a .284/.287/.369 slash line in 141 at-bats this season.

Lugo was recalled from Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Lugo was summoned to the big club to offer additional infield depth while Jeimer Candelario (wrist), who was sent to the disabled list in a corresponding move, is sidelined. The 23-year-old prospect is hitting .284/.287/.369 through 33 games with the Mud Hens. While he'll likely head back to the minors once Candelario is healthy again, he could see some reps at third base in the meantime.